Classically trained Violinist offering tutoring for all ages and levels! Come learn now!

Learn more about Zack

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  When I was younger, similar to most typical parents, they at first forced me to learn the Violin. However, as I got better and more skilled, I started to like the violin as I was able to play more difficult things and the sound coming from my violin was a lot nicer. Eventually, I started practising on my own without the need to be forced by my parents and from there, everything started progressing fast till where I am now. My favourite instrument, without a doubt, is the Violin.

• Is there a particular type music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  I am obsessed with both classical and jazz music. To be precise, Baroque music is my ultimate favourite as there is something so complex about it while at the same time, it sounds so simple. The intricate details towards Baroque music, as well as the flexibility of music decoration drives me nuts. The freedom about it is what I endeavour to portray in my music at all times.

• Explain to us the most difficult or 'riveting' lesson you could personally give to one of your students.

  When I start to explain, and attempt, to get my student to start feeling the music instead of playing it. Music is all about emotions and how we portray it in our instruments. It is also about how we communicate to the audience without words or image. Once I get into that topic, it is hard for me to stop. However, getting the student to feel the music is challenging as most of the time, they were taught the techniques only and not about musicality.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  The most complicated instrument to master is always the string instruments. It is unlike the piano where all you have to do, is strike a key and you're done. Of course, there is a lot more technique to playing the piano nicely, but they do not need to worry about intonation. String instrumentalist are extremely particular about intonation and that I believe, will serve them well in the long run as we are actively listening for any intonation errors.

• What are your keys to success?

  Remember to always practice. Sometimes, even picking up the violin for only 30 minutes a day, can make a lot of difference. You not only need to practice hard but also smartly. Please follow the instructions of the teachers, as well as any practice technique that they give you because they know it worked with them when they were practicing themselves. Thomas Edison failed 9999 times before finally, and successfully, refining the light bulb on his 10,000 attempts. If you fail, do not stop. It only requires 1 success before it gets a lot better.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Ed Sheeran, Frank Sinatra and Itzak Perlman. Ed Sheeran is by far my favourite singer. There is just something about his voice that I absolutely love and the passion in his music is addictive. Frank Sinatra is also another one of my favourites as his songs are legendary and iconic. Itzak Perlman is because he is also a violinist and a absolutely amazing one at that. I love the way he expresses himself in his music flawlessly and I can listen to him for hours on end.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your musical journey, or your days at 'music school'.

  I was in an orchestra and the conductor is testing each of us on a certain passage in a piece that we are required to play. I completely forgot to practice the passage but I remembered my teacher's practice technique. While the conductor was busy testing the other students, I was busy doing the practice technique in silence. The practice technique was so effective, by the time it became my turn to play, I performed that passage as if I was practicing for ages. Moral of the story, practice technique works, might be better without the procrastination.

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  The absolute passion and random fun facts about music. I'll try my best to get you to be as enthusiastic about music as I am, as well as get you to feel the music instead of just techniques. While techniques are undoubtedly important, it is also important to connect to your musical side.